Benefits

Lord Freud: My honourable friend the Minister for Pensions (Steve Webb MP) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	I am pleased to announce the proposed social security benefits rates for 2014, which are set out in the table below. The annual up-rating of benefits will take place for State Pensions and most other benefits in the first full week of the tax year. In 2014, this will be the week beginning 7 April. A corresponding provision will be made in Northern Ireland.
	
		
			  RATES RATES 
			 (Weekly rates unless otherwise shown) 2013 2014 
			 ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE   
			 higher rate 79.15 81.30 
			 lower rate 53.00 54.45 
			 BEREAVEMENT BENEFIT   
			 Bereavement payment (lump sum) 2000.00 2000.00 
			 Widowed parent's allowance 108.30 111.20 
			 Bereavement Allowance   
			 standard rate 108.30 111.20 
			 age-related   
			 age 54 100.72 103.42 
			 53 93.14 95.63 
			 52 85.56 87.85 
			 51 77.98 80.06 
			 50 70.40 72.28 
			 49 62.81 64.50 
			 48 55.23 56.71 
			 47 47.65 48.93 
			 46 40.07 41.14 
			 45 32.49 33.36 
			 BENEFIT CAP   
			 In Housing Benefit (weekly rate)   
			 Couples and lone parents 500.00 500.00 
			 Single persons without children 350.00 350.00 
			 In Universal Credit (monthly rate)   
			 Joint claimants and single claimants with children 2167.00 2167.00 
			 Joint claimants and single claimants without children 1517.00 1517.00 
			 CAPITAL LIMITS - rules common to Income Support, income based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit unless stated otherwise 
			 upper limit 16000.00 16000.00 
			 upper limit - Pension Credit and those getting Housing Benefit and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit No limit No limit 
		
	
	
		
			 Amount disregarded - all benefits except Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for those above the qualifying age for Guarantee Credit 6000.00 6000.00 
			 Amount disregarded - Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for those above the qualifying age for Pension Credit 10000.00 10000.00 
			 child disregard (not Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance) 3000.00 3000.00 
			 amt disregarded (living in RC/NH) 10000.00 10000.00 
			 Tariff income   
			 £1 for every £250, or part thereof, between the amount of capital disregarded and the capital upper limit   
			 Tariff income - Pension Credit and Housing Benefit where clmt/ptner is over Guarantee Credit qualifying age   
			 £1 for every £500, or part thereof, between the amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit   
			 CARER'S ALLOWANCE 59.75 61.35 
			 DEDUCTIONS - rules common to Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit unless stated otherwise 
			 Non-dependant deductions from housing benefit and from IS, JSA(IB), ESA(IR) and Pension Credit   
			 aged 25 and over in receipt of IS and JSA(IB),   
			 in receipt of main phase ESA(IR),   
			 aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work 13.60 14.15 
			 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work   
			 - gross income: less than £128 13.60 14.15 
			 - gross income: £128 to £187.99 31.25 32.45 
			 - gross income: £188 to £244.99 42.90 44.55 
			 - gross income: £245 to £325.99 70.20 72.95 
			 - gross income: £326 to £405.99 79.95 83.05 
			 - gross income: £406 and above 87.75 91.15 
			 Deductions from housing benefit   
			 Service charges for fuel   
			 heating 25.60 27.55 
			 hot water 2.95 3.20 
			 lighting 2.05 2.20 
			 cooking 2.95 3.20 
			 Amount ineligible for meals   
			 three or more meals a day   
			 single claimant 25.85 26.55 
			 each person in family aged 16 or over 25.85 26.55 
			 each child under 16 13.10 13.45 
			 less than three meals a day   
		
	
	
		
			 single claimant 17.20 17.65 
			 each person in family aged 16 or over 17.20 17.65 
			 each child under 16 8.65 8.90 
			 breakfast only - claimant and each member of the family 3.15 3.25 
			 Amount for personal expenses (not HB) 23.50 23.75 
			 Third party deductions from IS, JSA(IB), ESA(IR) and Pension Credit for;   
			 arrears of housing, fuel and water costs 3.60 3.65 
			 council tax etc. and deductions for ELDS and ILS.   
			 child support, contribution towards maintenance (CTM)   
			 standard deduction 7.20 7.30 
			 lower deduction 3.60 3.65 
			 arrears of Community Charge   
			 court order against claimant 3.60 3.65 
			 court order against couple 5.65 5.70 
			 fine or compensation order   
			 standard rate 5.00 5.00 
			 lower rate 3.60 3.65 
			 Maximum deduction rates for recovery of overpayments (not /JSA(C)/ESA(C))   
			 ordinary overpayments 10.80 10.95 
			 where claimant convicted of fraud 18.00 18.25 
			 Deductions from JSA(C) and ESA (C)   
			 Arrears of Comm. Charge & overpayment recovery   
			 Age 16 - 24 18.93 19.11 
			 Age 25 + 23.90 24.13 
			 Arrears of Council Tax & Fines   
			 Age 16 - 24 22.72 22.94 
			 Age 25 + 28.68 28.96 
			 Max. dedn for arrears of Child Maintenance   
			 Age 16 - 24 18.93 19.11 
			 Age 25 + 23.90 24.13 
			 DEPENDENCY INCREASES   
			 Adult dependency increases for spouse or person looking after   
			 children - payable with;   
			 State Pension on own insurance (Cat A or B) 63.20 64.90 
			 long term Incapacity Benefit 58.85 60.45 
			 Severe Disablement Allowance 35.35 36.30 
			 Carers Allowance 35.15 36.10 
			 short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age) 56.65 58.20 
			 short-term Incapacity Benefit (under State Pension age) 45.85 47.10 
			 Child Dependency Increases - payable with;   
			 State Pension; Widowed Mothers/Parents Allowance; 11.35 11.35 
		
	
	
		
			 short-term Incapacity benefit - higher rate or over state pension age;   
			 long-term Incapacity Benefit; Carer's Allowance; Severe Disablement   
			 Allowance; Industrial Death Benefit (higher rate);   
			 NB - The rate of child dependency increase is adjusted where it is payable for the eldest child for whom child benefit is also paid. The weekly rate in such cases is reduced by the difference (less £3.65) between the ChB rates for the eldest and subsequent children. 8.10 8.05 
			 DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE   
			 Care Component   
			 Highest 79.15 81.30 
			 Middle 53.00 54.45 
			 Lowest 21.00 21.55 
			 Mobility Component   
			 Higher 55.25 56.75 
			 Lower 21.00 21.55 
			 DISREGARDS   
			 Housing Benefit   
			 Earnings disregards   
			 standard (single claimant) 5.00 5.00 
			 couple 10.00 10.00 
			 higher (special occupations/circumstances) 20.00 20.00 
			 lone parent 25.00 25.00 
			 childcare charges 175.00 175.00 
			 childcare charges (2 or more children) 300.00 300.00 
			 permitted work higher 99.50 101.00 
			 permitted work lower 20.00 20.00 
			 Other Income disregards   
			 adult maintenance disregard 15.00 15.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widows pension 10.00 10.00 
			 widowed mothers/parents allowance 15.00 15.00 
			 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme 10.00 10.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders (plus 50% of the balance) 20.00 20.00 
			 additional earnings disregard 17.10 17.10 
			 income from subtenants (£20 fixed from April 08) 20.00 20.00 
			 Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA(IR)) and Pension Credit 
			 Earnings disregards   
			 standard (single claimant) (not ESA(IR)) 5.00 5.00 
			 couple (not ESA(IR)) 10.00 10.00 
			 higher (special occupations/circumstances) 20.00 20.00 
			 partner of claimant (ESA(IR)) 20.00 (maximum) 20.00 (maximum) 
		
	
	
		
			 Other Income disregards   
			 war disablement pension and war widows pension 10.00 10.00 
			 widowed mothers/parents allowance 10.00 10.00 
			 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme 10.00 10.00 
			 student loan (not Pension Credit) 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income (not Pension Credit) 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders (plus 50% of the balance) 20.00 20.00 
			 income from subtenants (£20 fixed from April 08) 20.00 20.00 
			 EARNINGS RULES   
			 Carers Allowance 100.00 100.00 
			 Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance 99.50 101.00 
			 Permitted work earnings limit - higher 99.50 101.00 
			 - lower 20.00 20.00 
			 Industrial injuries unemployability supplement 5174.00 5252.00 
			 permitted earnings level (annual amount)   
			 Earnings level at which adult dependency (ADI) increases are affected with:   
			 short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is   
			 (a) under state pension age 45.85 47.10 
			 (b) over state pension age 56.65 58.20 
			 state pension, long term incapacity benefit,   
			 severe disablement allowance, unemployability   
			 supplement - payable when dependant   
			 (a) is living with claimant 71.70 72.40 
			 (b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule 45.09 45.09 
			 Earnings level at which ADI is affected when dependant is not living with claimant;   
			 state pension, 63.20 64.90 
			 long-term incapacity benefit, 58.85 60.45 
			 unemployability supplement, 59.75 61.35 
			 severe disablement allowance 35.35 36.30 
			 Carers allowance 35.15 36.10 
			 Earnings level at which child dependency increases are affected   
			 for first child 220.00 225.00 
			 additional amount for each subsequent child 29.00 30.00 
			 Pension income threshold for incapacity benefit 85.00 85.00 
			 Pension income threshold for contributory Employment Support Allowance 85.00 85.00 
			 EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE   
			 Personal Allowances   
			 Single   
			 under 25 56.80 57.35 
		
	
	
		
			 25 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 lone parent   
			 under 18 56.80 57.35 
			 18 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 couple   
			 both under 18 56.80 57.35 
			 both under 18 with child 85.80 86.65 
			 both under 18 (main phase) 71.70 72.40 
			 both under 18 with child (main phase) 112.55 113.70 
			 one 18 or over, one under 18 (certain conditions apply) 112.55 113.70 
			 both over 18 112.55 113.70 
			 claimant under 25, partner under 18 56.80 57.35 
			 claimant 25 or over, partner under 18 71.70 72.40 
			 claimant (main phase), partner under 18 71.70 72.40 
			 Premiums   
			 enhanced disability   
			 single 15.15 15.55 
			 couple 21.75 22.35 
			 severe disability   
			 single 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (lower rate) 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (higher rate) 119.00 122.20 
			 carer 33.30 34.20 
			 pensioner   
			 single with WRAC 45.25 47.20 
			 single with support component 38.90 40.20 
			 single with no component 73.70 75.95 
			 couple with WRAC 81.05 84.05 
			 couple with support component 74.70 77.05 
			 couple with no component 109.50 112.80 
			 Components   
			 Work-related Activity 28.45 28.75 
			 Support 34.80 35.75 
			 HOUSING BENEFIT   
			 Personal allowances   
			 single   
			 under 25 56.80 57.35 
			 25 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 entitled to main phase ESA 71.70 72.40 
			 lone parent   
			 under 18 56.80 57.35 
			 18 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 entitled to main phase ESA 71.70 72.40 
			 couple   
			 both under 18 85.80 86.65 
			 one or both 18 or over 112.55 113.70 
			 claimant entitled to main phase ESA 112.55 113.70 
			 dependent children 65.62 66.33 
			 pensioner   
			 single/lone parent has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but under 65. 145.40 148.35 
		
	
	
		
			 couple – one or both has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but both under 65 222.05 226.50 
			 single / lone parent - 65 and over 163.50 165.15 
			 couple - one or both 65 and over 244.95 247.20 
			 Premiums   
			 family 17.40 17.45 
			 family (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20 
			 disability   
			 single 31.00 31.85 
			 couple 44.20 45.40 
			 enhanced disability   
			 single 15.15 15.55 
			 disabled child 23.45 24.08 
			 couple 21.75 22.35 
			 severe disability   
			 single 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (lower rate) 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (higher rate) 119.00 122.20 
			 disabled child 57.89 59.50 
			 carer 33.30 34.20 
			 ESA components   
			 work-related activity 28.45 28.75 
			 support 34.80 35.75 
			 INCAPACITY BENEFIT   
			 Long-term Incapacity Benefit 101.35 104.10 
			 Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under state pension age)   
			 lower rate 76.45 78.50 
			 higher rate 90.50 92.95 
			 Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age)   
			 lower rate 97.25 99.90 
			 higher rate 101.35 104.10 
			 Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age   
			 higher rate 10.70 11.00 
			 lower rate 6.00 6.15 
			 Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)   
			 higher rate 10.70 11.00 
			 middle rate 6.00 6.15 
			 lower rate 6.00 6.15 
			 INCOME SUPPORT   
			 Personal Allowances   
			 single   
			 under 25 56.80 57.35 
			 25 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 lone parent   
			 under 18 56.80 57.35 
			 18 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 couple   
			 both under 18 56.80 57.35 
			 both under 18 - higher rate 85.80 86.65 
			 one under 18, one under 25 56.80 57.35 
			 one under 18, one 25 and over 71.70 72.40 
			 both 18 or over 112.55 113.70 
			 dependent children 65.62 66.33 
			 Premiums   
		
	
	
		
			 family / lone parent 17.40 17.45 
			 pensioner (applies to couples only) 109.50 112.80 
			 disability   
			 single 31.00 31.85 
			 couple 44.20 45.40 
			 enhanced disability   
			 single 15.15 15.55 
			 disabled child 23.45 24.08 
			 couple 21.75 22.35 
			 severe disability   
			 single 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (lower rate) 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (higher rate) 119.00 122.20 
			 disabled child 57.89 59.50 
			 carer 33.30 34.20 
			 Relevant sum for strikers 39.00 40.00 
			 INDUSTRIAL DEATH BENEFIT   
			 Widow's pension   
			 higher rate 110.15 113.10 
			 lower rate 33.05 33.93 
			 Widower's pension 110.15 113.10 
			 INDUSTRIAL INJURIES DISABLEMENT BENEFIT   
			 Standard rate   
			 100% 161.60 166.00 
			 90% 145.44 149.40 
			 80% 129.28 132.80 
			 70% 113.12 116.20 
			 60% 96.96 99.60 
			 50% 80.80 83.00 
			 40% 64.64 66.40 
			 30% 48.48 49.80 
			 20% 32.32 33.20 
			 Maximum life gratuity (lump sum) 10730.00 11020.00 
			 Unemployability Supplement 99.90 102.60 
			 increase for early incapacity   
			 higher rate 20.70 21.25 
			 middle rate 13.30 13.70 
			 lower rate 6.65 6.85 
			 Maximum reduced earnings allowance 64.64 66.40 
			 Maximum retirement allowance 16.16 16.60 
			 Constant attendance allowance   
			 exceptional rate 129.40 132.80 
			 intermediate rate 97.05 99.60 
			 normal maximum rate 64.70 66.40 
			 part-time rate 32.35 33.20 
			 Exceptionally severe disablement allowance 64.70 66.40 
			 JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE   
			 Contribution based JSA - Personal rates   
			 under 25 56.80 57.35 
			 25 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 Income-based JSA - personal allowances   
			 under 25 56.80 57.35 
		
	
	
		
			 25 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 lone parent   
			 under 18 56.80 57.35 
			 18 or over 71.70 72.40 
			 couple   
			 both under 18 56.80 57.35 
			 both under 18 - higher rate 85.80 86.65 
			 one under 18, one under 25 56.80 57.35 
			 one under 18, one 25 and over 71.70 72.40 
			 both 18 or over 112.55 113.70 
			 dependent children 65.62 66.33 
			 Premiums   
			 family / lone parent 17.40 17.45 
			 pensioner   
			 single 73.70 75.95 
			 couple 109.50 112.80 
			 disability   
			 single 31.00 31.85 
			 couple 44.20 45.40 
			 enhanced disability   
			 single 15.15 15.55 
			 disabled child 23.45 24.08 
			 couple 21.75 22.35 
			 severe disability   
			 single 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (lower rate) 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (higher rate) 119.00 122.20 
			 disabled child 57.89 59.50 
			 carer 33.30 34.20 
			 Prescribed sum for strikers 39.00 40.00 
			 MATERNITY ALLOWANCE   
			 Standard rate 136.78 138.18 
			 MA threshold 30.00 30.00 
			 PENSION CREDIT   
			 Standard minimum guarantee   
			 single 145.40 148.35 
			 couple 222.05 226.50 
			 Additional amount for severe disability   
			 single 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (one qualifies) 59.50 61.10 
			 couple (both qualify) 119.00 122.20 
			 Additional amount for carers 33.30 34.20 
			 Savings credit   
			 threshold - single 115.30 120.35 
			 threshold - couple 183.90 192.00 
			 maximum - single 18.06 16.80 
			 maximum - couple 22.89 20.70 
			 Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage 222.05 226.50 
			 Additional amount for additional spouse 76.65 78.15 
			 Non-State Pensions (for Pension Credit purposes)   
			 Statutory minimum increase to non-state pensions 2.20% 2.70% 
			 PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT   
			 Daily living component   
		
	
	
		
			 Enhanced 79.15 81.30 
			 Standard 53.00 54.45 
			 Mobility component   
			 Enhanced 55.25 56.75 
			 Standard 21.00 21.55 
			 SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE   
			 Basic rate 71.80 73.75 
			 Age-related addition (from Dec 90)   
			 Higher rate 10.70 11.00 
			 Middle rate 6.00 6.15 
			 Lower rate 6.00 6.15 
			 STATE PENSION   
			 Category A or B 110.15 113.10 
			 Category B(lower) - spouse or civil partner's insurance 66.00 67.80 
			 Category C or D- non-contributory 66.00 67.80 
			 Additional pension 2.20% 2.70% 
			 Increments to:-   
			 Basic pension 2.20% 2.70% 
			 Additional pension 2.20% 2.70% 
			 Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB) 2.20% 2.70% 
			 Inheritable lump sum 2.20% 2.70% 
			 Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of Nil Nil 
			 pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings   
			 Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of   
			 contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997 2.20% 2.70% 
			 Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) 0.1279 0.1314 
			 Increase of long term incapacity for age 2.20% 2.70% 
			 Addition at age 80 0.25 0.25 
			 Increase of Long-term incapacity for age   
			 higher rate 20.70 21.25 
			 lower rate 10.35 10.65 
			 Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) for State Pension recipients   
			 higher rate 20.70 21.25 
			 middle rate 13.30 13.70 
			 lower rate 6.65 6.85 
			 STATUTORY ADOPTION PAY   
			 Earnings threshold 109.00 111.00 
			 Standard Rate 136.78 138.18 
			 STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY   
			 Earnings threshold 109.00 111.00 
			 Standard rate 136.78 138.18 
			 STATUTORY PATERNITY PAY   
			 Earnings threshold 109.00 111.00 
			 Standard Rate 136.78 138.18 
			 Additional statutory paternity pay 136.78 138.18 
			 STATUTORY SICK PAY   
			 Earnings threshold 109.00 111.00 
		
	
	
		
			 Standard rate 86.70 87.55 
			 UNIVERSAL CREDIT (monthly rates)   
			 Universal Credit Minimum Amount 0.01 0.01 
			 Universal Credit Amounts   
			 Standard allowance   
			 Single   
			 Single under 25 246.81 249.28 
			 Single 25 or over 311.55 314.67 
			 Couple   
			 Joint claimants both under 25 387.42 391.29 
			 Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 489.06 493.95 
			 Child element   
			 First child 272.08 274.58 
			 Second/ subsequent child 226.67 229.17 
			 Disabled child additions   
			 Lower rate addition 123.62 124.86 
			 Higher rate addition 352.92 362.92 
			 Limited Capability for Work element 123.62 124.86 
			 Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element 303.66 311.86 
			 Carer element 144.70 148.61 
			 Childcare element   
			 Maximum for one child 532.29 532.29 
			 Maximum for two or more children 912.50 912.50 
			 Non-dependants' housing cost contributions 68.00 68.68 
			 Work allowances   
			 Higher work allowance (no housing element)   
			 Single   
			 Single claimant, no dependent children 111.00 111.00 
			 Single claimant, one or more children 734.00 734.00 
			 Single claimant, limited capability for work 647.00 647.00 
			 Joint claimants   
			 Joint claimant, no dependent children 111.00 111.00 
			 Joint claimant, one or more children 536.00 536.00 
			 Joint claimant, limited capability for work 647.00 647.00 
			 Lower work allowance   
			 Single   
			 Single claimant, no dependent children 111.00 111.00 
			 Single claimant, one or more children 263.00 263.00 
			 Single claimant, limited capability for work 192.00 192.00 
			 Joint claimants   
			 Joint claimant, no dependent children 111.00 111.00 
			 Joint claimant, one or more children 222.00 222.00 
			 Joint claimant, limited capability for work 192.00 192.00 
		
	
	
		
			 Assumed income from capital 4.35 4.35 
			 Third Party Deductions at 5% of UC Standard Allowance for:   
			 Single   
			 Single under 25 12.34 12.46 
			 Single 25 or over 15.58 15.73 
			 Couple   
			 Joint claimants both under 25 19.37 19.56 
			 Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 24.45 24.70 
			 Maximum deductions for Fines 108.35 108.35 
			 Overall Maximum Deduction Rate at 40% of UC Standard Allowance:   
			 Single   
			 Single under 25 98.72 99.71 
			 Single 25 or over 124.62 125.87 
			 Couple   
			 Joint claimants both under 25 154.97 156.52 
			 Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 195.62 197.58 
			 Fraud Overpayments, Recoverable Hardship Payments and Administrative Penalties at 40% of UC Standard Allowance   
			 Single   
			 Single under 25 98.72 99.71 
			 Single 25 or over 124.62 125.87 
			 Couple   
			 Joint claimants both under 25 154.97 156.52 
			 Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 195.62 197.58 
			 Normal Overpayments and Civil Penalties at 15% of UC Standard Allowance   
			 Single   
			 Single under 25 37.02 37.39 
			 Single 25 or over 46.73 47.20 
			 Couple   
			 Joint claimants both under 25 58.11 58.69 
			 Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 73.36 74.09 
			 Normal Overpayments and Civil Penalties at 25% of UC Standard Allowance if claimant's and/or partner's earnings are over the Work Allowance   
			 Single   
			 Single under 25 61.70 62.32 
			 Single 25 or over 77.89 78.67 
			 Couple   
			 Joint claimants both under 25 96.86 97.82 
			 Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over 122.27 123.49 
			 WIDOW'S BENEFIT   
			 Widowed mother's allowance 108.30 111.20 
			 Widow's pension   
			 standard rate 108.30 111.20 
			 age-related   
			 age 54 (49) 100.72 103.42 
		
	
	
		
			 53 (48) 93.14 95.63 
			 52 (47) 85.56 87.85 
			 51 (46) 77.98 80.06 
			 50 (45) 70.40 72.28 
			 49 (44) 62.81 64.50 
			 48 (43) 55.23 56.71 
			 47 (42) 47.65 48.93 
			 46 (41) 40.07 41.14 
			 45 (40) 32.49 33.36 
		
	
	Note:
	For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets.

Central African Republic

Lord Astor of Hever: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	The Government is increasingly concerned about the deteriorating security situation and growing humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic. We are working with international partners, and through international organisations, to end the violence, deliver humanitarian support, and re-establish stability and security. As the Central African Republic is surrounded by countries that are still recovering or suffering from recent conflicts, engagement by the international community is vital to prevent a repetition of previous crises in the region. The scale of this challenge means that we must use all means at our disposal: our diplomatic networks, aid and trade, our political relations, and our military and security co-operation.
	The Government has worked closely with France and other Security Council partners to agree a United Nations Security Council Resolution on the Central African Republic; Resolution 2127 was adopted on 5 December. UNSCR 2127 marks a critical step in restoring security and authorises the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA). MISCA will contribute to: the protection of civilians; the vital restoration of security and public order; the stabilisation of the country; the restoration of State authority over the whole country; and the creation of conditions to enable the provision of humanitarian assistance. It also authorises French forces to take all necessary measures to support MISCA in the discharge of its mandate and, recognising the severity of the situation, imposes an arms embargo and encourages progress on the transitional arrangements initiated in Libreville on 11 January 2013.
	Shortly after UNSCR 2127 was adopted, President Hollande announced that France would be launching Operation Sangaris immediately, in conjunction with Africans and with the support of European partners. On 6 December, following this announcement and in response to a request from the Government of France to provide logistical support to their operation, the United Kingdom deployed a RAF C-17 transport
	aircraft to move French equipment to the Central African Republic. In the spirit of our strong bilateral relationship with France and in line with the undertakings of the Lancaster House Treaty of 2010, the United Kingdom will provide a further two RAF C-17 flights between now and mid-December to help the rapid deployment of equipment for French forces in support of MISCA. The Government has no intention to deploy UK troops in a combat role and has therefore clearly defined the level of support that we will provide to France.
	Our military support follows the announcement of a £10 million UK aid package, having already contributed £5 million in July. We are now one of the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to the people of the Central African Republic and will operate alongside the International Red Cross and UN agencies to help thousands of people gain access to food, water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare. We will continue to work closely with France and other partners to improve the security situation in the Central African Republic and relieve the suffering of its people.

Correction to Commons Oral Question

Baroness Warsi: My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (William Hague) made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	On 29 October 2013, (Official Report, column 752), during oral questions to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Rt. Hon Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) asked me about the number of British businesspeople of Chinese origin who joined the Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and the Secretary of State for Transport on recent visits to China.
	I replied that “I do not have that information at my fingertips, but I imagine that quite a few of them were. I will write to the right hon. Gentleman with the details” (Official Report, column 752).
	I have written to the right honourable Member with the details, and would like to inform the House that neither the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change nor the Secretary of State for Transport were accompanied by any British business people on their trips. The Chancellor was accompanied by 25 representatives of the technology sector, none of whom were of Chinese origin.

Energy: Carbon Capture and Storage

Baroness Verma: My right honourable friend the Minister of State for Energy (Michael Fallon MP) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	Preferred bidders in the Government’s £1bn CCS Commercialisation Programme were announced in March 2013. Since then, my Department has taken forward detailed negotiations with these bidders to draw up and agree specifications and contracts for Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) studies of their projects. Developing carbon capture and storage infrastructure forms part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan, published last week.
	I am pleased to inform Parliament that I intend to award a multi-million pound contract for detailed design and planning, known as a FEED study, to Capture Power Limited for the White Rose CCS Project, which includes the Yorkshire-Humber CCS Trunkline, a carbon dioxide (CO2) transportation and storage solution to be undertaken by National Grid Carbon Limited.
	The White Rose proposal is to build a new state-of-the-art 426MWe (gross) clean coal power plant with full carbon capture and storage, bringing clean electricity to over 630,000 homes and capturing approximately 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year. This will link into the planned development of a CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure which would have capacity for additional CCS projects in the area.
	FEED is an important stage in the development of major infrastructure projects. It is a comprehensive programme of engineering, planning and financial work to thoroughly develop the proposal ahead of taking final investment decisions. It represents a significant investment in the project by both the government and the bidder.
	In additional to informing investment decisions, these studies will provide valuable new practical research into this area. We will share the information gathered by these studies with industry, academics and the public through our knowledge transfer programme to help drive forward this important industry.
	Negotiations on the FEED study for the other preferred bidder project are still under way. They are progressing positively and we hope to make an announcement on the outcome shortly.

EU: Court of Justice

Baroness Warsi: My Honourable Friend the Minister of State for Europe (David Lidington) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
	I would like to update the House on recent appointments and renewals of mandates to the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the appointment of an Advocate-General of the Court of Justice.
	The following judges have had their mandates to the General Court renewed until 31 August 2019: Nicholas James Forwood (United Kingdom); Alfred Dittrich (Germany); Ingrida Labucka (Latvia); Miro Prek (Slovenia); Mariyana Kancheva (Bulgaria); Guido Berardis (Italy); Eugène Buttigieg (Malta); Carl Wetter (Sweden) and Irena Pelikanova (Czech Republic).
	Additionally, the following judges have been appointed: Stéphane Gervasoni (France); Egidijus Bieliunas (Lithuania); Ignacio Ulloa Rubio (Spain) and Lauri Madise (Estonia).
	In the Court of Justice, the Estonian judge Uno Lõhmus has been replaced by Küllike Jürimäe, and the Luxembourg judge Jean-Jacques Kasel has been replaced by François Biltgen. Their mandates expire in October 2015.
	As a result of Croatian accession, Vesna Tomljenovic and Sinisa Rodin have been appointed as judges to the General Court and Court of Justice respectively.
	Finally, Maciej Szpunar (Poland) has been appointed as Advocate-General of the Court of Justice.

Immigration Rules

Lord Taylor of Holbeach: My rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Theresa May) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
	The Government keeps visa regimes under constant review to ensure that the UK has the right visa requirements set in the right places, aligned to risk. Today I am laying changes to the Immigration Rules to provide a new, straightforward and free alternative to a visa for short term visitors from Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. We intend to extend similar arrangements to Kuwait later in 2014. Britain is open for business and genuine visitors and tourists coming here to enjoy our world class attractions, study or do business are always welcome.
	Passport holders of Oman, Qatar and the UAE will, from 1 January 2014, be able to travel to the UK visa-free if they have obtained an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Document online at least 48 hours in advance of travel to the United Kingdom, and present the document to an Immigration Officer upon request on arrival.
	This simple online form means there is no fee, there will be no requirement to give biometrics or attend a visa application centre. Guidance will be published on the Home Office website. Some visitors may still prefer a long-term multi-entry visit visa and the facility to obtain these visas will remain.
	I am also laying a change relating to the Vatican City. Holders of non-national travel documents require a visa before travel to the United Kingdom. This rule includes holders of Service, Temporary Service and Diplomatic passports issued by the Holy See. The Government has assessed the procedures for issuance of these documents and considers that they are robust enough to merit an exemption from the visit visa requirement. Nationals and citizens of the Vatican City are already exempt from the visa requirement.
	The changes also include minor amendments to the rules for armed forces and for graduate entrepreneurs.
	Alongside these changes, UK Visas and Immigration continues to be focussed on delivering excellent customer service to business and leisure visitors and ensuring
	that the UK maintains a competitive visa system that can innovate in order to serve the ever-changing needs of business and ensure Britain succeeds in the global race.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy

Baroness Warsi: My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (William Hague) made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	I would like to inform the House that the Framework Agreement between the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has been updated, in line with Cabinet Office and HM Treasury guidelines for Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs).
	The Framework Agreement combines a management statement, which sets out the basis for the FCO’s relationship with WFD, and a financial memorandum, which sets out in greater detail the financial framework within which the WFD is required to operate.
	I have placed copies of the Agreement in the Libraries of both Houses. The Agreement is also available on the Westminster Foundation for Democracy website.